PARISH councillors may appeal against a controversial decision to allow an off-licence in Helsby.

Residents told of their disgust after three members of Vale Royal Borough Council's licensing board gave Bargain Booze permission to open at the former Home Shop on Chester Road.

Villagers fear the shop will exacerbate problems of alcohol-fuelled behaviour and crime among young yobs.

But board members, told of Bargain Booze's good reputation, approved the application after assurances from franchisee Graham Jones, who agreed to several conditions. These include eight CCTV cameras, a strict policy to ensure under-18s are not served and a £200 reward for information on adults buying alcohol for children.

But locals plan to exercise their right to appeal to North-wich magistrates within 21 days. They could now be backed by Helsby Parish Council's environment committee.

Council chairman Terry O'Neill said he believed the reason for the board's decision was the withdrawal of a formal objection by police.

'I don't understand it,' he said. 'Insp [Phil] Hodgson knows what has been going on in Helsby but it seems the police licensing people have not listened.'

The decision notice issued by the borough council states that no evidence had linked the increase in disorder to an increase in the number of licensed premises.

Borough councillor Les Ford, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of residents, said: 'It seems that no matter how many problems you have, as long as the operator does all he can within the rules, he gets a licence.'